Utopian thought and the criticism of Popper, Molnar and Marcuse

Abstract

Starting from the conceptual analysis of the term “Utopian thinking” and its distinction from particular utopias it is sought to dismantle three different criticisms made to that mindset. First, the liberal criticism with psychologist overtones of Karl Popper. Secondly, the conservative criticism with theological overtones of Thomas Molnar. Third and finally, the neo-Marxist criticism with historicist overtones of Herbert Marcuse. The thesis stated here is that the three criticisms fail by confusing the characteristics of particular historical utopias with the ability to think utopias.

Keywords

• utopismo, antiutopismo, liberalismo, conservadurismo, neomarxismo